To conduct research and develop deliverables outlining the laws and policies that apply to development projects in Maryland counties that are experiencing significant development pressure. The research will assist affected communities in understanding the legal obligations for these projects and their opportunities to participate in this process from the earliest stages through public participation, administrative proceedings, as well as potential legal challenges.
Many parts of the state of Maryland continue to feel significant development pressure. This rapid pace of development has and will continue to have impacts on natural resources, air and water quality, and the quality of life for Marylanders. Development is absolutely necessary to create adequate housing, but ill-advised development does more harm than good (environmentally destructive, fiscally/financially wasteful, and creates numerous other social ills). The focus here is on ensuring that our land use laws live up to the “Smart Growth” and environmental goals and mandates that have made Maryland a national leader in both of these legislative arenas, because the current development frenzy is proving that having the right laws on the books is not enough.
For example, in Trappe, Maryland, in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the environmental community has expressed concerns over a major housing development and accompanying wastewater treatment project that would include spraying treated wastewater on local fields. In Harford County, Maryland, Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have challenged various aspects related to the development of a warehouse complex in an area of over 300 acres of forested wetlands and streams that drain into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In Lothian, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County, local residents are challenging a sand and gravel operation that poses environmental justice concerns. In Prince George’s County, concerns are mounting about a potential development on public lands that border the Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge.
These and other projects have been challenged at various points in the development process, yet environmental advocates are still in need of additional tools to assist them in understanding the development process and how best to shape or, if needed, challenge projects of concern.
CLA would like the students to research the development process in Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County, two of the counties facing the highest forest and wetland loss in the State. This would include an exploration of all laws and policies at the local, state, regional, and federal levels that apply to development projects. Students should begin by reviewing materials for Anne Arundel County already created by CLA and build on these initial efforts. Students would then produce a deliverable for each county outlining the development process and access points for participation in the process democratically, administratively, or legally.
The Contemptible Clearing of Abingdon Woods.
Maryland community wins round in fight to curb industrial activity.
Wildlife refuge in Maryland pushing back against development pressure.
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